The Realme X9 and Honor X8c represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Realme X9 prioritizes rapid charging, while the Honor X8c focuses on efficient processing with the Snapdragon 685. This comparison dissects these core differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing minimal downtime, the Realme X9’s 65W charging is a clear winner. However, the Honor X8c offers a more balanced experience with its Snapdragon 685, providing solid everyday performance and efficiency, making it ideal for those less concerned with ultra-fast charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2025, January 14 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2025, January 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) |
| Dimensions | - | 161.1 x 74.6 x 7.1 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10 | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 64 MP, (wide), PDAF
13 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | Unspecified | 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Unspecified | - |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0/5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasonic) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 65W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black; other colors | Marrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Cloud Purple |
| Models | - | ABR-LX1, ABR-LX2, ABR-LX3 |
| Price | - | € 190.78 / $ 213.42 / £ 159.00 |
Realme X9
- Significantly faster 65W charging
- Potentially more advanced image processing (assuming a better chipset)
- May offer a slightly more premium build quality
- Chipset performance is unknown and could be a bottleneck
- Battery life may be compromised if battery capacity is smaller
Honor X8c
- Efficient Snapdragon 685 processor for sustained performance
- 6nm process node for improved thermal management
- Good battery life due to processor efficiency
- Slower 35W charging
- Gaming performance limited by the Adreno 610 GPU
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent from the provided data, but given the market positioning, both devices likely feature LCD panels. The Realme X9, potentially aiming for a slightly more premium feel, might have a marginally higher peak brightness. However, without specific data on resolution, refresh rate, and color gamut coverage, a definitive comparison is impossible. The absence of information regarding PWM dimming rates is also a concern, as this impacts eye strain for sensitive users.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing information, a direct comparison is difficult. The absence of OIS on either device suggests a reliance on software stabilization. The Realme X9 may have a more sophisticated image processing pipeline, but the Honor X8c’s Snapdragon ISP is capable of producing decent results in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing feature with limited practical utility.
Performance
The Honor X8c’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm) is the performance centerpiece. Its octa-core configuration, with 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, provides a good balance of power and efficiency. The 6nm process node is crucial, offering improved thermal management compared to older 14nm or 12nm chips. The Realme X9’s chipset is unspecified, but to compete, it would need to offer comparable or superior multi-core performance. The Snapdragon 685’s Adreno 610 GPU is capable of handling most mobile games at medium settings, while the Realme X9’s gaming performance is unknown without chipset details. The X8c’s efficiency will translate to longer battery life during sustained use.
Battery Life
The Realme X9’s 65W wired charging is its standout feature, promising significantly faster charging times than the Honor X8c’s 35W charging. While battery capacity is unknown for both, the faster charging speed of the Realme X9 mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. The Honor X8c’s Snapdragon 685’s efficiency will contribute to longer battery life between charges, but will take considerably longer to fully replenish.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme X9 if you need the fastest possible charging speeds and frequently find yourself needing to top up your battery quickly. Buy the Honor X8c if you prioritize consistent performance for daily tasks, media consumption, and light gaming, and value battery efficiency over charging speed. The X8c is a better fit for users who prefer a phone that lasts throughout the day without needing constant charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor X8c struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 685 is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to play at lower graphics settings and potentially accept lower frame rates for a smooth experience. It's best suited for less graphically intensive games or casual gaming sessions.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Realme X9 with its 65W charger?
With 65W charging, the Realme X9 should be able to charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 35-45 minutes, depending on the battery capacity. This is a significant advantage over the Honor X8c's 35W charging, which will take considerably longer.
❓ Does the Honor X8c's processor get hot during prolonged use, like video recording or gaming?
The Snapdragon 685's 6nm process node helps to mitigate thermal throttling. While it will get warm during extended use, the 6nm architecture is more efficient than older nodes, reducing the likelihood of significant performance drops due to overheating.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras offer limited image quality. They are often included as a marketing feature but struggle to capture detailed, high-resolution macro shots. You're better off using the main camera and cropping in for a similar effect.
